General Spaces - Accessible spaces

Accessible entrance

The library has a separate accessible entrance. Users press the doorbell and may have to identify themselves through the intercom before the door will open.

Note: In some areas, additional staff services may be required to access materials

More info: 

• Accessibility services & staff at Gerstein
• Special services for persons with disabilities page 

Book stacks

Our collection includes over 750,000 books on all aspects of physical, life, and health sciences.  Books are shelved by their call numbers.

Computers and wifi

There are 109 computers available throughout the library. They are accessible to current U of T students, staff and faculty (UTORid login required).

Use our computer finder to view their availability in real time and exact locations in the building.

Includes:

• 108 workstations with internet, Microsoft Office, NVivo, Zoom, and updated accessibility software
• 13 seated and 14 standing computer workstations 
• 1 catalogue-only computer
• 2 black & white printers
• 1 colour printer

Note:

Wifi access is available to current students, staff, and faculty throughout Gerstein. UTORid sign-in required. More instructions on how to configure wifi on your device.

Dept. of Computer Science Innovation Lab (DCSIL)

The Department of Computer Science Innovation Lab is one of University of Toronto's nine campus accelerators.

More info: About DCSIL

Gerstein Reading Room

Capacity: 94

Includes:

• Reference collection (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks) 
• Table space for 72
• Soft seating for 16
• 6 standing computer terminals

More info:  History of the Heritage Reading Room

Information and Research Support

Information professionals are available for assistance with research:

• at the Loan Services Desk
• or by appointment with a librarian

Staff are available during the day and can also be contacted:

• by emailing ask.gerstein@utoronto.ca
• via chat

Instruction Lab

Capacity: 38 people

Includes:

• 19 PC workstations
• 1 presenter workstation
• 1 projector
• 1 microphone
• web conferencing available

Accessibility: Back row of workstations are accessible by wheelchair

Journal stacks

We have approximately 3400 journal subscriptions, in both paper and electronic formats. Some titles date back to the 1700s.

The library also subscribes to thousands of e-journals which can be accessed online from on- and off-campus by those who have a University of Toronto staff or student affiliation.

Includes:

• Print journals from 1700s-current
• Individual seating and desks located at the end of selected shelves

MADLab

Capacity: 30

Includes:

• 2 MacBook pro laptops with Xcode
• 4 3D printers (MakerBot Sketch and MakerBot Sketch Large printers)
• 2 workstations with mobile SDKs and design software
• Test devices for iOS and Android
• Digital projector and whiteboards
• 2 conference/breakout rooms
• Hardware samples
• Equipment Locker
• Virtual Reality Studio (with HTC Vive)
• Refrigerator, coffee machine, microwave

More info:

Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM – 5PM, by appointment (contact mad.lab@utoronto.ca).

Open to all U of T students, staff, and faculty

• Reserve a 3D printer
• About the VR services
• About the MADLab

Morrison Pavilion

Capacity: 5 floors with 650 study spaces

Collections: Books by floor

• 1 Below - books shelved by call numbers A-QM
• 2 Below - books shelved by call numbers QP-Z; Old Class materials (located after the Z books)
• 3 Below - Theses/dissertations (located at the end of the journal collection)

Accessibility: Some book stacks are not accessible by wheelchair. Our accessibility page has more information.

More info: The history of the Morrison Pavilion

Phone-friendly

Phone use is permitted in the stairwell leading to the second floor from the Heritage Reading Room, and the stairwell leading down to the MADLab near the entrance to the Journal Stacks, as well as outside the security gates inside the main doors of the library.

Note: Phone use is not permitted in study rooms, quiet study areas, stacks and other non-designated areas.

Reference collection

Our reference books include encyclopedias, dictonaries, and handbooks.

These items are not available to borrow, but may be used for in-library consultation.

Reflection Room

Capacity: max. 8 people

A multipurpose and multifaith space for meditation, mindfulness, prayer, and yoga.

Includes:

• Floor cushions, yoga mats, shoe rack

More info and guidelines:

• About the Reflection Room

Short Term Loan Desk

Borrow  books in heavy demand or reserved by request of the professor for a particular class

Borrow:

• Course reserves & short term loans
• Phone chargers, laptop chargers, and headphones

Includes:

• Tables and chairs for individual study
• 1 book scanner

Note:

Loan times vary from a number of hours to a number of days, based on the item. 

The Gerstein Book Stop Leisure Collection

A leisure reading collection available for students and staff at the University of Toronto

Capacity: Soft seating for 4

Includes: Non-academic books available to read in-library or to borrow for home

More info: About the Gerstein Book Stop

Wallace Room

Capacity: 206

Includes:

• 48 study carrels
• 3 extra-long reading tables (accommodating 84 people) 
• 2 large standing tables (accommodating 20 people)
• 46 computer workstations with chairs
• 4 standing computer workstations
• 4 club chairs
• Black and white printer

This room is a Remote Zone: 

Students are welcome to join online classes while on campus, from this room, on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Washrooms

Washrooms are available on selected floors.